Phospholipase D (PLD) hydrolyzes the phosphodiester bond of glycerophospholipids, producing phosphatidic acid and a free headgroup. Phosphatidic acid is a signaling lipid which functions as a second messenger, initiating a variety of downstream cellular activities. Having a small headgroup, PA can alter membrane curvature, affecting membrane-vesicle fusion, vesicular trafficking, and endocytosis. PA also activates downstream effectors including Raf-1 kinase and mTOR, affecting cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. PLD is instrumental in membrane dynamics, exocytosis and endocytosis and remodeling and transport in the Golgi and lysosomes. Dysregulation of PLD is involved in diabetes, obesity, cancer and neurodegeneration. AkrivisBio’s Phospholipase D Activity Assay is a simple, sensitive means of measuring PLD with a sensitivity below 1 mU per well.
